5 Fantastic Alternative Ski Destinations (PHOTOS)

The ski season is finally upon us. For anyone with an addiction to glistening powder, this means the race to attach yourself to skis or board has begun. But instead of traipsing to resorts jammed with tourists, here at Black Tomato we like to find our own little private patch of snowy paradise to perfect our stance.

Introducing our shortlist of the top 5 alternative (and in our humble opinion, pretty exceptional) ski resorts for a more fulfilling snow fix.

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Slap bang in the heart of central Asia, this one of the most mountainous countries in the world (90% of its territory is rippled with mountains). A heli-skiers dream, head to the north to the Tien-Shan Mountains for magnificent drops and vast glaciers.

While the cherry trees are in blossom on Mount Yaedake you can still be practicing your slalom on fresh powder northwest of Tokyo in the Hakuba Valley. Combine this nation's incredible cuisine with native bathing snow-monkeys (yes, you read right) and you have one of our all time favorite unusual ski resorts.

In Norway skiing goes into expedition mode, combining remote ski terrain with top notch fishing in the surrounding fjords. Meaning you can make the most of gravity and ski all the way from summit to sea. Expect uninterrupted views and virgin powder (and no themed pubs).

For surreal altitudinal scenery, the borderlands between Chile and Argentina don't have too much in the way of competition. This is where you can fix your eyes on cobalt blue lakes and shimmering glaciers (and squeeze in more than enough of the all-important skiing).

Quebec boasts not only some of the world's best back-country skiing, but internationally admired gastronomy. Work up an appetite off-piste in the Monts-Valin National Park and refuel on local cuisine, yes it doesn't get much better than this.